This is a historic year especially for Sikhs around the globe. The 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Sahib is being celebrated all over the world with a great deal of enthusiasm. Guru Nanak Dev ji has been rightly described as an explorer, a visionary, a revolutionary, a superb poet and a fearless advocate for equality and human rights.
He emphasized that sovereignty belongs to God alone. He (God) is the ultimate source of authority. He (Guru Nanak) gave not only the Sikhs but also the entire humanity a new world order. Guru Nanak Dev was truly a great mystic, poet, philosopher, singer and saint.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is rightly called the Yug Pursh, a personality of the Millennium. His universal message and the travels to the far flung areas of the world are unique. A number of Sikh and non-Sikh scholars have written extensively about Guru Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy transcends all ages and times.
A prominent Sikh scholar, Dr. Daya Singh states that even though Guru Nanak was born in pre-modern era, yet he was far ahead of his times in presenting religious and spiritual solutions to our present day post-modern problems. Every word and sentence of Guru Ji in the Gurbani has a very succinct message. Dr. Daya Singh goes on further to describe Guru Ji’s grasp of mysticism. While describing the mystic world Guru Nanak Dev ji pointed out that “in this realm one sees but without eyes, one listens but without ears, one walks but without feet, one works but without hands, one speaks but without tongue, thus attaining life in death. O Nanak, one meets God after realization of the Divine law.” The opening up of the Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan on this special occasion is a great gesture on the part of both India and Pakistan. Also, the proposed Baba Nanak University at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan is a commendable gesture by Pakistan.
Here in Canada in general, and Metro Vancouver in particular, nearly every Gurdwara will be celebrating Guru ji’s Parkash Purb with a great deal of enthusiasm. For example, at India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas on Richmond’s Highway to Heaven (aka as #5 road) we will be celebrating Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Parkash Purb on Tuesday, November 12 beginning at 5:30 PM. As part of this celebration, a number of dignitaries will be in attendance. On this special occasion, a book about Guru Nanak ji’s philosophy, mission and message containing articles by a number of prominent scholars will be released by Chairman Asa Singh Johal and the dignitaries.
In addition to that, a Commemorative Pin devoted to Guru Ji will also be released. As a tribute to Guru Nanak Sahib, the Gurdwara has prepared an impressive chart containing the details about the ten Gurus of Sikhism. Also, beautiful charts containing Guru Nanak ji’s message to humanity, in Punjabi and English, will be displayed on the Gurdwara premises for the congregation. The public is cordially invited to attend on Tuesday, November 12 beginning at 5:30 PM, enjoy melodius keertan, a delicious vegetarian Langar (dinner) and fireworks in the huge field behind the Gurdwara thereafter.
For further information your readers should feel free to contact Balbir Singh Jawanda at 604-649-5366 Balwant Singh Sanghera at 604-836-8976)